Children that struggle learn and to concentrate, that display anti social behaviour and that generally do not fit into the mould of what society expects is not a new phenomenon. However, in the past such children were labelled as stupid, naughty, wayward and even mentally disturbed. Medical and psychological experts now know that there are a variety of real conditions that can manifest in such symptoms. With help from a Bay Area educational psychologist such children can get a new lease on life.
Parents and teachers should know what signs to look for. However, there is a danger that any change in behavioural patterns may lead to a belief that a child suffers from a condition such as ADD, for example. This is not always the case. Behavioural changes are sometimes caused by other factors. It is nevertheless always a good idea to ask an expert in child psychology to perform an assessment when the behaviour of a child changes.
Some symptoms are common to many psychological conditions. They include an inability to focus on a task and to complete it, learning difficulties, a short attention span and fidgety behaviour. Some children talk incessantly while others withdraw into themselves and refuse to participate in social interaction. Many sufferers struggle to sleep and others develop eating disorders.
Experts in child psychology will insist on an exhaustive evaluation before they will attempt to make a diagnosis. The child will be required to undergo both objective and subjective tests and in most cases it will also be necessary to interview the parents and other care givers. A medical examination is also deemed very important because it is possible that the symptoms displayed are related to a medical condition rather than a psychological disorder.
If a psychological condition is diagnosed, the next step is to develop a specific treatment plan unique to that patient. In some cases medication is prescribed, but this is not always deemed to be beneficial. Some patients do not react well to medication or they experience adverse side effects. There is no miracle medicine that can neutralize all the symptoms of any specific condition.
Exercise, diet and quality sleep all form very important elements of any treatment program. Experts advise that patients exercise for at least half an hour every day, preferably out of doors. It is also important to follow a healthy diet that contains protein and omega fatty acids at every meal. Many children under treatment suffer from sleeping disorders. Parents must make sure that they are settled in a routine with specific times for going to bed and for getting up.
Regular counselling sessions can help children to understand their own conditions better and to learn techniques in how to cope with and to control their symptoms and their reactions to such symptoms. Activities such as meditation and yoga is encouraged, because they help children to improve their concentration and to focus on their goals. These activities are not competitive in nature and do not place the child under any pressure to perform.
Great strides have been made in the treatment and management of psychological conditions that previously rendered patients unable to lead normal lives. There is no shame in suffering from such a condition. Sufferers did not do anything wrong. With professional help, the condition can be managed and there is no reason for such a child to be excluded from a full and happy life.
Parents and teachers should know what signs to look for. However, there is a danger that any change in behavioural patterns may lead to a belief that a child suffers from a condition such as ADD, for example. This is not always the case. Behavioural changes are sometimes caused by other factors. It is nevertheless always a good idea to ask an expert in child psychology to perform an assessment when the behaviour of a child changes.
Some symptoms are common to many psychological conditions. They include an inability to focus on a task and to complete it, learning difficulties, a short attention span and fidgety behaviour. Some children talk incessantly while others withdraw into themselves and refuse to participate in social interaction. Many sufferers struggle to sleep and others develop eating disorders.
Experts in child psychology will insist on an exhaustive evaluation before they will attempt to make a diagnosis. The child will be required to undergo both objective and subjective tests and in most cases it will also be necessary to interview the parents and other care givers. A medical examination is also deemed very important because it is possible that the symptoms displayed are related to a medical condition rather than a psychological disorder.
If a psychological condition is diagnosed, the next step is to develop a specific treatment plan unique to that patient. In some cases medication is prescribed, but this is not always deemed to be beneficial. Some patients do not react well to medication or they experience adverse side effects. There is no miracle medicine that can neutralize all the symptoms of any specific condition.
Exercise, diet and quality sleep all form very important elements of any treatment program. Experts advise that patients exercise for at least half an hour every day, preferably out of doors. It is also important to follow a healthy diet that contains protein and omega fatty acids at every meal. Many children under treatment suffer from sleeping disorders. Parents must make sure that they are settled in a routine with specific times for going to bed and for getting up.
Regular counselling sessions can help children to understand their own conditions better and to learn techniques in how to cope with and to control their symptoms and their reactions to such symptoms. Activities such as meditation and yoga is encouraged, because they help children to improve their concentration and to focus on their goals. These activities are not competitive in nature and do not place the child under any pressure to perform.
Great strides have been made in the treatment and management of psychological conditions that previously rendered patients unable to lead normal lives. There is no shame in suffering from such a condition. Sufferers did not do anything wrong. With professional help, the condition can be managed and there is no reason for such a child to be excluded from a full and happy life.
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